Tripods and airport security

[DavidHill]

Does any one have any recent experience with taking a tripod through airport security? I have had a tripod damaged in checked luggage, despite being well wrapped up in clothing. I have now bought a new one (at considerable expense), which will fit in my hand luggage in time for my forthcoming trip abroad. However, I don't know if some zealous airport security officer will regard it as the new weapon of choice for terrorists. Any relevant advice or accounts of recent experiences will be welcomed. Thanks guys.

[Hotblack]

I can't really help other than to say I put mine in my checked luggage with no problems. If I hadn't I would have been well over the cabin baggage weight limit. Maybe you were just unlucky.

[beejaybee]

Maybe you were just unlucky.

I think you underestimate the zeal of airport baggage handlers ... If it isn't in a Peli case, it will be destroyed.

[Hotblack]

Maybe you were just unlucky.

I think you underestimate the zeal of airport baggage handlers ... If it isn't in a Peli case, it will be destroyed.

Obblox. Mine's gone in my hold luggage many a time and has never suffered so much as a scratch.

[DavidHill]

Thanks chaps, but I'm still waiting for that last little ounce of re-assurance!

[GeoffR]

Ok then, a tripod could be seen as a weapon and might be confiscated. Stick it in your checked baggage. I trust that you have a hard shell case? I have seen how bags are handled and if it weren't for the 23Kg per bag limit I would have one made of the material FDR armoured cells are made of!

[DavidHill]

I think that you are probably right, and I will have to hope for the best, good packing and adequate baggage handler insurance.

[Benchista]

Yup, checked baggage and a rigid case filled with clothes does me.

[LargeFormat]

I wouldn't chance it in hand luggage.

[Carrie]

If it isn't in a Peli case, it will be destroyed.

Mine always travels in my suitcase, it has to, I struggle to keep my hand luggage within the weight limit as it is.

Its been abroad (long haul) a few times now. It travels wrapped in bubble wrap, then is well padded round with clothes, and has never suffered any problems.

[tonycro]

my manfrotto goes in the hold in its own bag, one cracked leg clamp - side from that, no bother.

tony

[Bettina]

I have recently flown from both Gatwick (EasyJet) and Heathrow (BA) and the security staff did not object to a tripod being taken aboard (Gatwick) ... if only I had taken out the allen key repair set ... so I had to check it in (on its own in a tripod bag) and it arrived at the destination. They did give me the option of throwing the key set away ...

[ermintrude]

Bettina! Yay! How's your escapades?

[GeoffR]

I have recently flown from both Gatwick (EasyJet) and Heathrow (BA) and the security staff did not object to a tripod being taken aboard (Gatwick) ... if only I had taken out the allen key repair set ... so I had to check it in (on its own in a tripod bag) and it arrived at the destination. They did give me the option of throwing the key set away ...

Not that what you can take through security is anything to do with the airline.

[DucDuc]

I took mine on the plane mounted on the outside of my Lowepro Backpack. No issues and these were international flights over the Christmas and New Years.

[RichardSibley]

I've taken a tripod in a camera rucsack on board in Europe. They did stipulate that I had to have the tripod in the bag rather than strapped to the outside. it was also x-rayed on its own.

I'd suggest allowing plenty of time if you want to take it in hand luggage. If not follow other advice and pack securely in a sturdy case.

[GeoffR]

The problem is that you can't be absolutely certain that you will be allowed to carry a tripod through security therefore my recommendation remains that it is packed securely in your checked baggage.

Additionally, even if you are allowed to have your tripod as hand luggage out of the UK the country you are visiting may have a different rule. Pack for the strictest security you will face on the trip. Also, if there is more than one airline involved, pack for the one with most restrictive allowances.